Look away, New York Giants fans. Saquon Barkley traded his Big Blue jersey for green in his first training camp practice with the Philadelphia Eagles.
On Wednesday, the Eagles posted a video of the star running back entering the practice facility. Barkley high-fived elated fans on his way to the field.
Here’s a look at his arrival to Philadelphia’s camp:
Here. We. Go. @saquon pic.twitter.com/F1bdveNC6h
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 24, 2024
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After six seasons with the New York Giants, Barkley signed with their NFC East rival in free agency. The two-time Pro Bowler landed a three-year, $37.75 million deal after tallying 1,242 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023.
HBO’s Hard Knocks gave viewers an inside look at how the Giants handled negotiations with their former No. 2 pick. The documentary series showed general manager Joe Schoen telling Barkley over the phone that they’ll let him test the market to gauge his worth.
On the Scoop City podcast, Barkley told Dianna Russini he was “fed up” with the Giants after that call.
“I kind of felt like it was a little disrespectful, to be honest. Because it’s kind of like a slap in the face,” Barkley said, via NFL.com. “It was over after that phone call.”
Meanwhile, his perception of Philadelphia has changed since joining the team this offseason. Barkley still thinks Eagles fans are “crazy,” but he now views their passion in a more positive light.
“When you’re on the Giants fan, you’re like, ‘Woah these motherf*****s are insane,'” Barkley told Russini. “On this side, you’re like, they bleed this. This is Philly … We lose on Sunday, they’re having a bad week.”
Barkley is eager to make his Eagles debut. They’ll start the season in Brazil before he plays at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 2.
“I can’t wait,” Barkley said. “I’m itching. I can’t wait for camp. I can’t wait for the season. I can’t wait for that first game.”
Related: Saquon Barkley Regrets How He Handled His Departure From The Giants